Can I work part-time on OPT?
OPT/STEM OPT
January 01, 2026
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Answer
Yes, you can work part-time on OPT, but:
- Part-time OPT (less than 20 hours/week) counts at half the rate toward your 12-month limit
- Full-time OPT (20+ hours/week) counts at full rate
- You can mix part-time and full-time, but track your total
Example: 6 months part-time = 3 months used, leaving 9 months full-time equivalent.
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